The Football League has agreed a new three-year deal until 2009 with Sky Sports and ITV for another three years in a deal believed to be worth in the region of é110m - an increase of 40 per cent.

The previous deal netted the 72 Football League clubs é25m a season over four years.

And just as important, the Silkmen chief believes, is the increase in lower league games shown on television.

éItés a better deal,é said Bickerton. éBoth financially and in terms of exposure as there will be a higher ratio of League Two games shown compared to other leagues than previously.

éThe Football League is doing a very good job in taking football in the right direction.é

It is not known how much cash will be given to each club but it is understood Championship clubs will receive around 80 per cent of the extra money, with 12 per cent going to League One clubs and eight per cent to Macclesfield and other League Two clubs.

The new agreement will see Sky broadcast around 100 live matches a season from the Football Leagueés competitions, while ITV will continue with its Sunday morning éThe Championshipé programme as well as regional highlights programmes.